[Project Vestige] Late Night Emergency Perkins Run
“Girl. Girl please.” Simone snorted. “Is this one of those ‘you have to say no at least three times to be polite to your homework’? Trust me, you’ve paid your dues. You’ve been staring at that page for an hour and a half. You need a break, I need a break, and I’m willing to bet that we both need to eat our stress with half-price appetizers. Are you in, or are you in?”
— Project Vestige by Undine
Disclaimer: I am aware that the restaurant chain Perkins doesn’t have any Oregon locations.
This scene is actually based off one of my favorite college memories with my roommate, which is why it’s specifically Perkins.
I’m sure that there’s a similar chain restaurant in Oregon somewhere, but if you can believe that a fictional town called Antium exists, and that the concept of place memory is real... You can pretend that there is a Perkins in Oregon.
Mostly I don’t think that doing hours of research into finding an Oregon-equivalent of Perkins is worth it for just this one scene... yet.
This is also the first time I’ve actually written Simone and Brooke together! The scene is underneath the cut.
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The print on the page didn’t look like words at this point — it looked like scribbles and gibberish.
Biology textbooks served as a terrible pillow, but still, Brooke didn’t remove her cheek from figure 5.8, a picture of a jellyfish. The top of her head felt like it was stretched taut, and pressure was straining against it, trying to burst out of her skull. There was absolutely zero room for further information to be added in her brain — not one more biology term, not one more fun fact, nothing.
Midterms were awful. Just exam after exam, essay after essay, all coming forth in unending waves of academic torture. It was worse than finals. At least there was a definitive end and a break to look forward to. After midterms, all there was to be excited for was… More homework.
Every single ‘homework tips!’ page on the internet said that studying in bed was a bad idea, but Brooke had no idea how to survive the terrible ordeal of studying without being collapsed in the comfort of her own bed. Why suffer in an uncomfortable chair when she could suffer in her soft, mattress pad-enhanced nest?
“Psssst. Hey. Hey Brooke.” Simone’s head popped up by Brooke’s lofted bed, and a finger poked Brooke’s forehead.
“What.” Brooke groaned into her textbook-turned pillow. “Just leave me to die in suffering.”
“You’re not going to die, dumbass. Let’s get out of here. Do you want to go to Perkins?”
“Yes. Wait, Perkins?” When Brooke sat up, the textbook page stuck on her cheek followed for as far as it could. “Wait, what do you mean?”
“Is there another way to interpret ‘Do you want to go to Perkins’?” Simone said. “I want greasy fried food, and everything in Antium closes by 8. You in?”
“Simone, it’s almost nine PM.”
“Exactly! Their late night discounts start at nine; we’ll be just in time.”
“The nearest Perkins is about an hour away!”
“So? I have a car. We’ll get there by ten.”
“That’s so late!”
“Girl, it’s a Friday. We’re probably the most boring college students in the U.S. right now because we’re just in our dorm studying.”
“We’re already in our pajamas, Simone. We made a rule that it was illegal to change out of our pajamas after 9pm.”
“All you need to do is pull a sweater over that and you’re good to go! I’m going in my pajamas.”
“But—”
“Girl. Girl please.” Simone snorted. “Is this one of those ‘you have to say no at least three times to be polite to your homework’? Trust me, you’ve paid your dues. You’ve been staring at that page for an hour and a half. You need a break, I need a break, and I’m willing to bet that we both need to eat our stress with half-price appetizers. Are you in, or are you in?”
Brooke scrambled out of her bed with a wide grin, throwing off her blankets with a reckless abandon. The pillows that were rejected onto the floor lay there forgotten, even as she tripped over them to pluck her biggest, ugliest, comfiest sweater from her closet.
“Alright, I’m looking presentable and ready.”
“Not in the least.” Simone snickered. “Ready for a road trip?”
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Simone Wells — Brooke’s roommate and best mom friend. Majors in a TBD STEM field.
Brooke Robinson — The protagonist who discovers place memory completely by accident.
Noah Bradford — A quiet artist who specializes in painting and photography.
Adam Walker — The easy-going and popular star athlete at the University.
Beatrice “Bea” Williams — The local girl who has lived in Antium all of her life, but dreams of getting out.
Kaho Murakami — The musician who is a bit aloof and uninterested in most things; plays the cello and bassoon.
More characters will presumably be added as I create them, but here’s the 6 that I’m working on developing so far! (details may be changed in the future, who knows? Definitely not me). Character intros will be posted in the near future!
EDIT: 1/28/21
Face claims are subject to change! I recently changed Brooke’s face claim to Zendaya, and I would not be surprised if more are changed as well. The concepts however, should remain the same. You can read Brooke’s character intro here!
Storyteller Saturday! 💖 I'd love to learn more about Project Vestige if you're up for it! How exactly does place memory work in that world? Is it perceived like visions, by sight, sound, or feeling? Is it like the place talks to you? And also, how did Simone and Brooke first meet? (If none of this is a spoiler, that is!)
Ah! Thank you so much for asking Quill, this is the first story ask I’ve gotten for Project Vestige and I am!!! So excited!!!
As of right now, Place Memory is the concept that after a lot of really strong, repeated actions are experienced in a location, it gets embedded into that location’s memory, essentially. That’s why Brooke starts off by hearing laughter — if children are at a park, chances are that there’s been a lot of laughter there because they’re having fun, and all of the laughter that has ever occurred at the park has built up and layered into a strong place memory that someone who doesn’t know what to listen for, might be able to hear.
Place memory is largely perceived by sounds, and to a much lesser extent, feelings. So you know how sometimes you think that you heard someone say something, but there was no one there? That might’ve been place memory.
The place doesn’t really talk to you, in the sense of “hey dude, what’s up?”, it kind of... replays memories. It repeats and replays things that have happened in that location in the past. The stronger the memory, the stronger the place remembers it, and the easier it is to hear. So because laughter at a park happens consistently, it can be heard more easily. A conversation that happened once at a park is still there in place memory, but it’s much, much more difficult to hear because the association is not as strong.
With Project Vestige, I’m really trying to blur the line between magic, reality, science fiction, the earth and the supernatural. I want it to be really ambiguous and up to interpretation. So the place might actually be trying to communicate with you, by replaying certain memories for you, or it might not. I think there will be some sort of mysticism and wonder like “I think Antium is trying to tell us something”, but nothing too definitive.
Also, going back to how place memory is perceived, for the most part people need to listen and really pay attention to hear place memory. The more someone is knowledgeable and aware of place memory, the more someone is able to quiet the disturbances and white noise of life, and the more someone is attuned to a place, they can more easily hear place memory, and maybe even start to unearth less prevalent memories, like the one conversation that happened in the park, underneath all of the strong laughter memories. And I’m toying with the concept of maybe feeling being included in that too, to someone who is really listening and in-tune, but who knows if it’s just how they’re feeling or interpreting the sounds, or if it’s actually the feeling imprinted into place memory.
That’s why although everyone is able to hear place memory, most people can’t. They’re too distracted by everything that’s going on that they aren’t listening.
Moving on to your next question... Brooke and Simone met on the first day of college! They were randomly assigned to be each other’s roommates, and though they messaged back-and-forth before that, the first they officially met was when they moved in. I think it had a bit of a rough start because you’re moving into college, it’s highly stressful, and it’s your first time living with someone, but they worked through the kinks and have been living with each other every since.
Thank you so much for asking 💙💙
Storyteller Saturday: Come send me a question about my WIPs/OCs, and I’ll send you one in return!
happy STS! I'm now officially in love w/ Simone (STEM LADY MOM FRIEND😍😍) and would love to know more abt her. What's her favorite way to relax? What makes her decide to help Brooke investigate the weirdness? Does she tell her family about the creepy stuff going on in town, or does she keep it from them?
This is very clearly not a Saturday, and extremely late, I’m so sorry! I really appreciate this question, and I was super excited to answer this! I’m so happy that you like Simone too! You’re so sweet ughh thank youuuu
Simone’s favorite way to relax is the whole nine-yards. She likes to take a long, luxurious bath with her bath bombs (a bubble bath is also an acceptable alternative), put on a face mask, light a floral candle, and just soak while she plays her comfort shows in the background. She might give herself a mani-pedi later, who knows!
Otherwise, if she’s with a friend or a certain roommate perhaps, just having a girl’s night in with ice cream, pizza, and chick-flicks in pajamas (no real clothing allowed) is also a really fun way for her to unwind.
As for why she decides to help Brooke out… Put nicely, Simone is super helpful and caring. Put negatively, she’s meddling.Simone is Brooke’s best friend, and naturally she’s the first person Brooke confides in when she starts hearing place memory and she consistently gets updates on new developments. For Simone, the option to not help never even occurred to her. She can’t let a friend in need go out on her own — especially since Brooke isn’t the most astute person in the world — and it was just natural for her to get involved.
Although Simone has a very close relationship with her family, and usually doesn’t keep secrets from them, she probably doesn’t tell them about what’s happening in Antium. Partly because it’s going to be difficult to explain. “Hi mom, my roommate hears weird voices, and now I hear them too! We’re using them to track down a witch from a local legend, oh and also people are disappearing I’m sure there’s nothing to worry about!” is something that probably won’t go over well.
There’s also the danger aspect; people are going missing, and it becomes really prevalent as a problem. If Simone tells her family, they’ll be understandably concerned about her and want her to leave, but she’s determined to see this through to the end.
She’ll tell them eventually though, just not at first!
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Happy Storyteller Saturday! From Project Vestige, how did Simone get into science? What sort of sport(s) does Adam play? How long has Kaho played cello?
Ooooh, thank you so much for those questions! I’m still in the middle of figuring out who they are, so this was actually super helpful — I didn’t actually consider any of these (well except for Adam’s sport).
Simone grew up in a super supportive family that always encouraged her to be successful and did their best to broaden her horizons and tried to give her the tools to find that success. That being said, other people didn’t always believe that. I think Simone always enjoyed the sciences and schooling on some level, but I think the moment she decided to go into the STEM field for real was when someone told her that she would never make it in high school. Fuck that guy, Simone decided at that moment that she was going to be the most successful person in STEM.
Adam does a lot of sports I think, kind of an all-rounder. Give him a sport to play and he’s going to be at least decent at it. In college, he does a lot of swimming and football. As a kid, he grew up playing soccer so he does that for fun these days, but not seriously.
Kaho’s been playing cello for about 6 years, maybe? She originally started out with violin, when her parents signed her up for lessons. Upon joining the school orchestra, she decided that violins were not quite for her because she wanted something bigger, so she moved onto a viola. Violas weren’t quite big enough so she moved onto a cello, and happily settled there.
Storyteller Saturday: Come send me a question about my WIPs/OCs, and I’ll send you one in return!
Body and Appearance
1. Describe the character's height and build. Is he heavyset, thin, short, rangy?
No es excesivamente alta pero no está mal, mide un metro sesenta y ocho. Lo justo para llegar bien a ciertos sitios sin sentirse bajita. Por lo demás es de constitución delgada gracias a una genética envidiable.
2. How old is he?
28 años. Cumple el dos de marzo.
3. Describe his posture. Does he carry himself well or does he slouch?
Le es imposible mantener una postura correcta, y eso que lo intenta con ganas, pero con las horas que pasa sentada delante de la pantalla de su ordenador en la redacción del periódico, le sale de todo menos estar recta.
4. How is his health? Is he fit or out of shape? Any illnesses or conditions? Any physical disabilities?
Está más sana que una manzana. Le gusta cuidarse, tanto en la comida como haciendo ejercicio. Se mantiene en forma haciendo pilates, yoga y saliendo a correr para quitarse el estrés de estar encerrada casi todo el día en el trabajo.
5. How does he move? Is he clumsy, graceful, tense, fluid?
Es muy aeróbica y ágil. Anda con calma y pisando fuerte, salvo cuando está en mitad de una noticia importante y le toca salir a patear calle, entonces suele ir a la carrera.
6. How attractive is this character physically? How does he perceive himself in the mirror?
Se siente a gusto consigo misma. No tanto por una cuestión de peso o forma sino porque para ella lo primordial es quererse a sí misma. Si ella se gusta, los demás también lo hacen.
7. Describe his complexion. Dark, light, clear, scarred?
Es mulata. Su piel dentro de su raza es tirando a clara, brillante y sin imperfecciones (al menos las que se pueden dejar a la vista)
8. Describe his hair: color, texture, style.
Tiene el pelo negro, rizado y un poco rebelde. Le cuesta domarlo pero lo consigue cuando se pone.
9. What color are his eyes?
Marrones.
10. Does the character have any other noteworthy features?
En la parte que no se deja a la vista de su piel (su trasero) lleva un tatuaje pequeño en forma de corazón que se hizo una noche loca cuando estaba en la universidad.
11. What are his chief tension centers?
La espalda. Fundamentalmente por las posturas que pilla en la silla, que no ayudan nada. También la cabeza, suele sufrir migrañas en algunas ocasiones.
12. What is the character's wardrobe like? Casual, dressy, utilitarian? Bright colors, pastels, neutrals? Is it varied, or does he have six of the same suit?
Es muy casual. Vaqueros, camisetas, vestidos cómodos. Aunque tiene de todo en el armario, por lo que pueda pasar.
13. Do his clothes fit well? Does he seem comfortable in them?
Estar a gusto para ella es fundamental, si algo no le sienta bien ni se lo plantea.
14. Does he dress the same on the job as he does in his free time? If not, what are the differences?
Lo bueno de su trabajo es que no necesita un código de vestimenta así que viste como quiere la mayor parte del tiempo.
15. You knew it was coming: Boxers, briefs or commando?
Le gusta la comodidad en todos los sentidos. Suele llevar braguitas de algodón y casi nunca usa sujetador. Tiene conjuntos majos pero hace tanto que no tiene una cita que ni se acuerda de ellos.
Speech
1. What does this character's voice sound like? High-pitched, deep, hoarse?
Tiene un tono agudo pero cómodo de escuchar. Algunos le han insinuado que sería perfecta para hacer radio.
2. How does he normally speak? Loud, soft, fast, evenly? Does he talk easily, or does he hesitate?
Suele ser rápida y vocalizando muy bien, la costumbre de las entrevistas a pie de calle.
3. Does the character have a distinct accent or dialect? Any individual quirks of pronunciation? Any, like, you know, verbal tics?
Tiene cierto acento sureño pero no le preocupa, no le influye en su trabajo así que.
4. What language/s does he speak, and with how much fluency?
Habla inglés y chapurrea algo de francés y español. Nada destacable.
5. Does he switch languages or dialects in certain situations?
No, quizá exagera un poco más el acento cuando habla con su madre. Ella lo tiene cerradísimo y todo se pega.
6. Is he a good impromptu speaker, or does he have to think about his words?
Siempre piensa antes de hablar. En parte es a lo que se dedica.
7. Is he eloquent or inarticulate? Under what circumstances might this change?
Elocuente, si con su trabajo no lo es...
Mental and Emotional
1. How intelligent is this character? Is he book-smart or street-smart?
Ha tenido que pelear mucho para tener lo que tiene. Afortunadamente es muy inteligente y se ha sabido sacar las castañas del fuego. Se puede decir que todo lo que aprendió en las calles le ha venido bien para sacarse su carrera y ser buena en su trabajo.
2. Does he think on his feet, or does he need time to deliberate?
Lo piensa todo una, dos, tres y las veces que haga falta. No le gusta dar pasos en falso.
3. Describe the character's thought process. Is he more logical, or more intuitive? Idealistic or practical?
Un poco de todo quizá. Es lógica pero funciona mucho con la intuición. Y es práctica pero sigue teniendo fuertes ideales.
4. What kind of education has the character had?
Su padre falleció cuando ella era solo una cría de cinco años, así que su infancia no fue ni mucho menos ideal. Su madre es una ferviente religiosa y se la llevó a vivir a la zona pantanosa de Nueva Orleans con solo diez años. Las dificultades para estudiar eran muchas, no tenían casi dinero (y para su madre era más importante que trabajara en casa) por eso pasaba todo el tiempo que podía en casa de su prima Roxanne. Gracias a eso se graduó en el instituto y consiguió una beca para estudiar en la universidad pública.
5. What are his areas of expertise? What, if anything, is he interested in learning more about?
La escritura. Trabaja como periodista pero su sueño (por loco que le parezca ahora mismo) es llegar a publicar una novela.
6. Is he an introvert or an extrovert?
Es extrovertida. No le queda más remedio con la profesión que ha elegido.
7. Describe the character's temperament. Is he even-tempered or does he have mood swings? Cheerful or melancholy? Laid-back or driven?
Es muy temperamental. Racional pero no es difícil sacarla de sus casillas.
8. How does he respond to new people or situations? Is he suspicious, relaxed, timid, enthusiastic?
No se fía de la gente que acaba de conocer. Quizá sea algo horrible de admitir pero hasta ahora le ha funcionado bien.
9. Is he more likely to act, or to react?
Reacciona. Necesita tener toda la información para poder actuar.
10. Which is his default: fight or flight?
Pelear, siempre. Es lo que lleva en las venas.
11. Describe the character's sense of humor. Does he appreciate jokes? Puns? Gallows humor? Bathroom humor? Pranks?
Le gustan las bromas y es una persona divertida, pero en muy raras ocasiones y siempre con gente de mucha confianza.
12. Does the character have any diagnosable mental disorders? If yes, how does he deal with them?
Tiene cierta predisposición al estrés.
13. What moments in this character's life have defined him as a person?
La muerte de su padre, cuando su madre la obligó a mudarse a una cabaña perdida en la nada, la primera vez que pisó la universidad, la muerte de su tío...
14. What does he fear?
El fracaso.
15. What are his hopes or aspirations?
Prosperar en su carrera, mudarse a Nueva York quizás.
16. What is something he doesn't want anyone to find out about him?
Sus puntos débiles. Que se den cuenta que las confrontaciones en realidad la aterrorizan.
Relationships
1. Describe this character's relationship with his parents.
Su padre murió cuando ella era una cría así que no recuerda mucho de él. Con su madre tiene una relación cordial pero no se ven mucho.
2. Does the character have any siblings? What is/was their relationship like?
No, es hija única.
3. Are there other blood relatives to whom he is close? Are there ones he can't stand?
Tiene una prima, Roxanne, aunque para ella es casi como una hermana.
4. Are there other, unrelated people whom he considers part of his family? What are his relationships with them?
Otis, la pareja de su prima. Es muy sosito pero le adora.
5. Who is/was the character's best friend? How did they meet?
Su prima Roxy, ha crecido con ella y no sería capaz de hablar con nadie como habla con ella.
6. Does he have other close friends?
No tan cercanos, quizá los compañeros del periódico pero es una relación cordial sin más.
7. Does he make friends easily, or does he have trouble getting along with people?
Hablar con la gente es fácil, considerarlos amigos ya es otro tema.
8. Which does he consider more important: family or friends?
Familia. Aunque con su madre no se lleve de maravilla, sigue siendo su madre.
9. Is the character single, married, divorced, widowed? Has he been married more than once?
Está soltera y con el ritmo de trabajo que lleva, duda que alguna vez deje de estarlo.
10. Is he currently in a romantic relationship with someone other than a spouse?
No tiene relaciones, como para poner cuernos.
11. Who was his first crush? Who is his latest?
Su primer crush fue un chico de su clase, Marcus, era el típico musculitos que volvia locas a todas. El último... en realidad es una tontería porque se llevan a matar y sería idiota pensar de otra manera pero... el abogado de los Loring le parece más guapo de lo que debería.
12. What does he look for in a romantic partner?
Que tenga paciencia con ella. Sabe que su trabajo exige mucho y no muchos hombres serían capaces de aguantarlo.
13. Does the character have children? Grandchildren? If yes, how does he relate to them? If no, does he want any?
No, y tampoco es algo en lo que piense de momento.
14. Does he have any rivals or enemies?
Los Loring para empezar y el abogado que le está dando el coñazo para rematar.
15. What is the character's sexual orientation? Where does he fall on the Kinsey scale?
Es Heterosexual.
16. How does he feel about sex? How important is it to him?
Le gusta (a quién no) aunque lleva tiempo sin catarlo.
17. What are his turn-ons? Turn-offs? Weird bedroom habits?
No le gustan las cosas raras, ni las acrobacias. Su postura favorita es encima y dominar la acción.
Beliefs
1. Do you know your character's astrological (zodiac of choice) sign? How well does he fit type?
Es acuario y aunque no está de acuerdo en algunas cosas (como eso de creer en los aliens) es bastante acertado con su personalidad.
2. Is this character religious, spiritual, both, or neither? How important are these elements in his life?
Su madre la educó en el catolicismo aunque no fueran estrictamente practicantes. No es que le vaya en ello la vida pero sigue con esa creencia aunque solo sea por costumbre.
3. Does this character have a personal code of morals or ethics? If so, how did that begin? What would it take to compromise it?
Reconoce que siendo periodista hay veces que no le queda más remedio que rozar lo poco ético. No es una costumbre, ni algo que le emocione pero el trabajo es el trabajo. Con respecto a lo demás, ella intenta ser buena persona lo que haga el resto le da igual siempre que no le afecte a ella de alguna manera.
4. How does he regard beliefs that differ from his? Is he tolerant, intolerant, curious, indifferent?
Lo mismo que la respuesta anterior. Mientras no interfiera con su vida de alguna manera, cada uno a lo suyo.
5. What prejudices does he hold? Are they irrational or does he have a good reason for them?
No soporta a la clase privilegiada. Más concretamente a los Loring, primero por lo que representan y segundo por cuestiones personales.
Daily Life
1. What is the character's financial situation? Is he rich, poor, comfortable, in debt?
Ahora mismo está a gusto con su situación económica. No es que gane un dineral pero le da para vivir cómodamente.
2. What is his social status? Has this changed over time, and if so, how has the change affected him?
Bueno de empezar viviendo en una cabaña perdida de la mano de Dios a acabar en un piso (pequeño pero estupendo) en pleno centro de Nueva Orleans, se puede decir que ha cambiado de estatus.
3. Where does he live? House, apartment, trailer? Is his home his castle or just a place to crash? What condition is it in? Does he share it with others?
Vive sola en un piso pequeño, unos setenta metros cuadrados, en el centro de Nueva Orleans y con todo lo que necesita. Está contenta con lo que tiene.
4. Besides the basic necessities, what does he spend his money on?
Cuadernos, en la era de la tecnología ella es de las de método antiguo. Le gusta hacer sus borradores en papel, de hecho, cualquier cosa que se le pase por la cabeza siempre acaba anotada en uno de sus cuadernos. Tiene un baúl lleno desde que tiene uso de razón.
5. What does he do for a living? Is he good at it? Does he enjoy it, or would he rather be doing something else?
Es periodista y le encanta.
6.What are his interests or hobbies? How does he spend his free time?
Escribir, aunque es más su oficio que hobby. También hace yoga, pilates, sale a correr... le gusta mucho hacer ejercicio al aire libre.
7. What are his eating habits? Does he skip meals, eat out, drink alcohol, avoid certain foods?
Podría decir que es sano, pero le pierde el chocolate y el helado. No suele beber alcohol salvo en contadas ocasiones y es una adicta crónica al café.
Associations
Which of the following do you associate with the character, or which is his favorite:
1. Color? Beige.
2. Smell? Césped recién cortado.
3. Time of day? Mañana.
4. Season? Otoño.
5. Book? Le encantan las biografías y las novelas negras.
6. Music? Le vuelve loca el viejo Jazz.
7. Place? Su sofá.
8. Substance? Agua con gas.
9. Plant? Sauce.
10. Animal? Zorro.
It had been a weeksince Leah and Kara had moved to Tree Hill and it seemed to being going great. Karawas thriving with having all her friends and family around, and knowing that if she needed them it wouldn’t take nine hours and notice before they would be there. Leah was adjusting well to being in Tree Hill, although both McFadden girls’ were looking forward to their house on the beach being ready for them. There was only so long you could share a bed with a four year old who loved moving in her sleep.
“Come on honey, Simone is on her way.” Kara called to Leah from the kitchen. She had been trying to get her ready for the day for the last hour but every time she got Leah dressed and ready to go she would turn around for what felt like five seconds and Leah would be half undressed and waiting by the door. Leah loved when Simone came around, and she demanded to have her clothes picked out by Simone. Apparently Kara wasn’t fashionable enough for her little girl. There was a knock at the door and immediately Leah was the first to answer. “Leah! You know you’re not supposed to answer the door.” Kara looked up from her cooking book and was shocked to see her father in the hallway, her father cradling Leah like he always did. “Hi dad. I wasn’t expecting you today, is everything okay?” Kara asked, making her way over to her father, offering him a seat in the living room. There wasn’t much to Kara’s apartment at the moment because most of their stuff was still in storage while Clay finished up the renovations to the beach house but it was cozy enough.
Marvin took in his surroundings; he didn’t love what he saw. This was never the life he had planned for his little girl. He loved his granddaughter with all his heart, and would do anything for her but that didn’t mean that he was happy that she was here in this world with them already. Kara was supposed to go to Yale, find her dream career, and then meet a man who would give her the world, they would marry and then a few years’ later grandchildren would follow. He never expected his daughter’s life to be this; a single mom working a mediocre job at Tree Hill Hospital. “I was under the impression that Simone was going to have this cutie today, so I was hoping we could talk but I’ve been mistaken.” Marvin stated, feeling out of sorts in his daughters small apartment. He was aware that this was the same apartment that Kara had hid away in the moment she was emancipated, still something that broke his heart every day. Even with knowing it was for the best.
“Yeah, Simone should be here any minute, the three of us have plans today dad.” Kara answered, narrowing her eyes, trying to find a hint in her father’s face as to he wanted to speak about. Surely it wasn’t possible that he knew already that Mason knew he was the father of Leah. Kara was very much aware that her father and mother wanted Leah to remain a secret to Mason, but it was not their place. They could have an opinion on the matter but that’s as far as it went, Kara was Leah’s mother, she would make the decision not her parents. “What-….” Kara was cut off by the sound of Simone coming through the door, her heels clicking on the floors as she made her way into the apartment. Kara stood up, leaving her father in the living room to greet her best friend. “Simone, it’s good to see you. It’s been too long. I just have a few things I need to clear up with my dad, do you mind taking Leah outside for a little bit and I’ll meet you out there?” Kara asked, giving Simone a knowing look. Kara was happy that Simone agreed, and chased Leah out of the house to the backyard. Deep breaths. Deep breaths. Things between Kara and her parents had improved drastically over the last four years but Kara was still seen as a child in her father’s eyes, dealing with him on a daily basis became tiring but she managed. “So what’s up dad?”
While Kara made small talk with her blonde friend, Marvin took it upon himself to look over the apartment further. It was a small god awful place, and he would be sure to mention that until her beach house was ready that maybe it would be best for the girls to live at home for the time being. He was disappointed in his daughter’s life choices, and although he tried to make an effort for his daughter he wasn’t able to keep that factor at bay. It was well known. “It’s come to my attention he’s back in town, funny isn’t it? Five years without a word, and suddenly there he is. In tree Hill, at the same time you are.” Marvin was sure that Kara had called Mason as soon as she decided on moving home, and he was sure that this man would come into his daughter’s life once more, only to ruin it further. “Are we still going ahead with our original plan?” Marvin asked, cocking his head to the side curiously.
A small chuckle escaped Kara’s lips once her dad mentioned Mason being in town. It had only been a week since she was back and already her dad was trying to control aspects of her life once more. “Our original plan, which is what exactly?” Kara questioned, she was honestly confused as to what her father was referring to. Her decision to leave Mason out of Leah’s life had nothing to do with her parents, and it had been a decision she had come to all on her own. She was curious what her father meant by that. He couldn’t honestly believe that now with Mason in Tree Hill that she would keep him from knowing he had a child, Kara wasn’t that person. Surely, her father knew that.
Marvin sighed, realizing his daughter was going to take the dramatic approach to things once again, like she always did. He honestly had no idea where his daughter picked up such dramatics, her brothers were never like that. “I’m just saying that Leah is four years old, and she’s going to be starting preschool next week, I just feel that it’s best that with all the change going on her life that you do not complicate it further. Be realistic Kara, what can you expect from him, other than money? He’s never been a father before, how is he supposed to be one to a four year old? Our four year old. You don’t need to bring him around and get her confused. He doesn’t live in Tree Hill anymore, his life isn’t here, he won’t stay.” Marvin shrugged, he was only looking out for his daughter, she would have to understand that more now than ever. If he had anything to say about it, Mason would not be in his grandchild’s life, nor would he complicate Kara’s again. He had done enough to her for one lifetime.
Kara looked at her father in disbelief. She had thought that for the greater good of Leah that everyone could just get along, and put their passed feelings aside but now it was clear to her that it would not be the case for everybody. “Stop it. Dad, stop. Want to know what I think is funny? All I have ever wanted was for you to be proud of me. I wanted you to support me through everything but no. No you’re not going to do this to me again. You don’t get to just talk at me like I’m a child.” Kara shook her head, backing away from her father. “You may not like the choices I made. You can spend the rest of your life hating Mason but guess what? This isn’t about you.. You can complain about how I could have had so much better in life, but you will not put me through this again. I am a grown woman. Dad, I’m twenty four years old. I have been on my own since I was eighteen, and sure you don’t like the fact that I have a beautiful little girl who yes, at this current moment does not know her father. But I’m done. I am done caring whether you like it or not, this is my life. I am her parent. I will make the decisions for Leah, not you. If Mason wants to know his daughter, that is between Mason and I, and has nothing to do with you.” Kara clenched her fist, walking passed her father to the front door. She pulled it open, looking back over at her father. “So you know what, Leah and I are late for our day that you’ve disturbed, and I want you to leave. Now.”
